An investigation has been ordered into the death of 35-year-old Canadian National Jeffrey Donald Furgala, who died while he was detained by police in San Ignacio.

A police report states that Furgala had been detained on Saturday, January 26th at around 10:12p.m. He was detained after he was found in the Savannah Area of San Ignacio Town apparently under the influence of alcohol. The report continues to state that he was detained for his personal safety after he was unable to give an address where he resides. He was then placed in cell no. 3 at the San Ignacio Police Station.

The police report continues to say that on Sunday, January 27th at around 1:00 a.m. they heard a loud noise, which sounded like someone falling and thereafter, a loud snoring coming from the cell.

Later on Sunday, at approximately 6:30 am, San Ignacio Police checked Cell No.3 where they found Furgala lying face up. When called he was called, he was unresponsive. A physical check was made on him and police noticed that he had some blood in his nose and was apparently unconscious. As a result, he was transported to the San Ignacio Community Hospital for medical treatment. He was later transported to the KHMH on January 27th, 2013 where at 11:00 am he was in a critical condition and was to undergo surgery. Furgala was pronounced dead at 11:15 pm on Tuesday, January 29th.

The Commissioner of Police has since launched criminal and internal investigations into this incident to be conducted by members of the Criminal Investigation and Professional Standards Branches.